Ireland braced for St Patrick's strikes

Last updated at 15:02 11 March 2004

A series of walk-outs by transport workers in Ireland could dampen this year's St Patrick's Day celebrations. Revellers are being warned to plan a visit to the Emerald Isle carefully as disgruntled workers look set to strike on March 18, the day after the national holiday.

The move could see the country's transport grind to a halt. Airports expected to be affected by strikes include Dublin, Shannon and Cork.

Union leaders have said the planned walk-outs will begin at 7.30am and will last for six hours.

Workers are protesting against plans for transport reforms and there is more industrial action in the pipeline - the three airports have threatened further action on 2, 20 and 26 April.